A dryer is an important appliance to help you complete your laundry cycle effectively. The work of a dryer is to remove moisture from washed laundry and fasten the drying process. To do its work effectively, a dryer needs a constant heat supply during the drying process. If the dryer fails to heat, it has no use. However, if your dryer is not heating, sun drying is not an option. Dryer experts from RA Appliance Repair CA have come up with simple diagnostic tips to help you identify issues causing your dryer not to heat and apply DIY solutions.
Read on.
7 Common Reasons Why Dryer is not Heating and Possible Solutions
1. Faulty Heating Element
Culprits
- A broken heating element
- Faulty coils
- A defective heating element assembly
Solutions
A dryer’s heating element is a coil of heating wire where electric current flows through. If anything causes the element to fail, the dryer won’t heat. An expert should diagnose the heating element by testing it for continuity, and if the coil is faulty, it needs a replacement. If the technician finds the entire heating element assembly defective, it needs to be replaced.
2. Defective Thermostat or Thermistor
Culprits
- A Malfunctioning high-limit thermostat—switches off the burner
- A malfunctioning cycling thermostat—regulates temperature in the drum
Solutions
A professional technician from RA Appliance Repair CA should locate the thermostat or thermistor and test for continuity using a multimeter. If either the thermistor or the thermostat fails the multimeter test, they should be replaced. If they are physically broken, they need to be replaced with new ones.
3. Blocked Ventilation
Culprits
- Clogged ventilation hose
- Plugged up or dirty lint screens
Solutions
Test if the ventilation is working by going to the exhaust vent outside and using your hand to feel if the air is warm and consistent airflow. Remove any clogging you find on the vent and any blocking lint on the lint screen. Deep the lint screen in hot water and clean it with a soft brush and detergent. Make sure to clean the dryer hose properly.
4. No Gas Supply (For Gas Dryers)
Culprits
- Lack of gas (empty gas cylinder)
- Faulty or turned-off gas valve
- Disconnected gas supply
- Faulty gas pipe
Solutions
The main cause of gas dryer, not heating is lack of gas. A connection problem might cause this or if your gas is depleted. Ensure that you have enough gas in your cylinder, check if the gas valve is turned on, and ensure your gas pipe is connected properly and doesn’t leak. If the valve or pipe is faulty, you need to replace it.
5. Power Supply Issues (For Electric Dryers)
Culprits
- A tripped circuit breaker
- No power
- Faulty wiring system
Solutions
Ensure there’s an adequate power supply to the dryer (The dryer requires 240V to run properly.
Check the circuit box to ensure the switches are on. If the power isn’t restored, there might be a problem with the wire harness of the dryer switch or plug. You need a professional to check it out offer a solution.
6. Defective Gas Dryer Element
Culprits
- A faulty gas valve solenoid
- A defective flame sensor/radiant sensor
- A faulty dryer flame sensor
- A defective igniter
Solutions
If the gas valve solenoids are faulty, you need a professional to replace the set of gas valve coils.
If the igniter fails, you need a gas expert to replace it because it’s very fragile. If the radiant sensor is defective, the gas valve won’t open, and the igniter won’t work, so you need it replaced as soon as possible. Our authorized gas technicians will help you out. A faulty dryer flame sensor won’t let the flame ignite in order to heat the dryer, so you to test the resistance and if it’s not working, get it replaced.
7. Faulty Timer
Culprits
- Mechanical issues may stop the timer from moving
Solutions
If the timer is not moving, the heat may keep increasing, which trips the thermal fuse, inhibiting more heat from being produced in the heater. You need to disconnect the dryer from any power source and test for continuity to fix this. If it fails the test, replace the timer or the motor.